SC to hear tomorrow plea seeking order to bar Mallya from leaving country

New Delhi: A day after the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) barred liquor baron Vijay Mallya from withdrawing 75 million US Dollar (over 500 crore rupees) exit payment from British liquor giant Diageo till the disposal of Kingfisher Airlines’ loan default case, the Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear on Wednesday a plea filed by public sector banks, seeking a direction to industrialist Vijay Mallya restraining him from leaving India.

Appearing for the banks, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi mentioned the matter for urgent hearing.

“The plea has been moved by 17 banks, including State Bank of India, against United Breweries Group chairman Mallya whose various firms have taken loan from them,” said Rohatgi, adding that the dues run into thousands of crores.

Allowing the SBI plea, DRT judge Benakanahalli also restrained Diageo from disbursing the amount to Mallya, who worked out the deal under a severance package.

As per reports, the tribunal ordered that the amount be attached till the disposal of the original application filed by the SBI in 2013. (ANI)